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STANLEY captain Peter Cavanagh is convinced the club's strong Liverpool link proved decisive in luring striker John Miles away from League Two rivals Macclesfield Town.

Miles turned down a new deal at the Moss Rose to join up with good friend Cavanagh at the Fraser Eagle Stadium, and was unveiled this week by John Coleman in a double swoop - with experienced midfielder Paul Carden also signing from Burton Albion.

Cavanagh, who this week committed himself to Stanley by signing a new deal, has known the former Stoke City and Crewe Alexandra hitman Miles for many years since they played in the same Liverpool youth team together.

The skipper said: "I've grown up with John ever since I was 14 and we played in the same Liverpool side. I always stayed in contact with him. He probably knows a lot about our players with a lot of them being Scousers. He obviously liked what I had to say about John Coleman and liked what John had to say to him."

Miles, 26, made a big impression in scoring both the Silkmen's goals in their 3-2 defeat at the hands of Stanley last month.

And Cavanagh said: "As far I am concerned his main strength is getting on the ball and running with it. He's probably quicker with the ball at his feet than running without it. He can glide past people and get in a good delivery."

Cavanagh, Miles and Stanley boss Coleman were all in Athens this week to cheer on Liverpool in the Champions League final.

Coleman said: "John Miles is a good player. He is someone that can trouble a defence and is one of those that can give a bit of experience to our side. Paul Carden has also got a lot of experience and we tried to sign him a couple of years ago."

Carden, 28, has previously enjoyed spells at Blackpool, Rochdale, Doncaster, Chester and Peterborough, where he was Player of the Year in 2005/6.

The club is also currently in discussions to bring in another goalkeeper, having given 18-year-old stopper Martin Fearon a one-year professional contract following a successful spell on the club's youth programme.

The Stanley boss indicated he is still yet to speak with striker Andy Mangan about his future at the club, but was hopeful that left back Leam Richardson would put pen to paper by the end of this week.

He also paid tribute to supporters' player of the year Andy Todd, whose expected departure was confirmed this week when he signed a two-year deal with Rotherham United.

Coleman said: "The travelling has been a lot for him, it never ever came down to money. He's done well while he was with us and been a good player. I bought him from Burton's bench and his attitude has been absolutely fantastic. But I don't think he will leave any hole - I think that's disrespectful to the players we have got here."

STANLEY's pre-season campaign begins with a friendly match against local neighbours Burnley on Saturday 14 July, kick off 3pm.